Tune in to listen to our ERISA counsel explain how the deadlines have been extended, and for a word of caution about delaying premium payment.  

To The Point Podcast

Federal Agencies Issue Major COVID-19 Relief for Employee Benefit Plans

Many American households have at least one pet. In any given year, one in three of these beloved family members will need costly veterinary care, even if it is for routine exam visits and vaccinations. Should a pet become severely ill and need emergency care, costs can sometimes be more than pet owners can bear. However, if they have pet insurance, owners will never have to make a decision about their pets wellbeing based on cost.Though pet insurance is a nontraditional benefit and is generally paid for by the employee, it is becoming increasingly popular in the workplace to help employees care for their pets without going bankrupt. This benefit is particularly valuable, as pet care is increasingly expensive. In fact, offering insurance for man’s best friend is a great marketing and PR initiative for companies that want to add to their image of being a great place to work.Pets typically visit the vet for the following reasons:Accident careIllness careRoutine preventive careLab workX-raysSurgeriesDiagnostic testingPrescription therapyThese services are the same or similar to the reasons why you or your employees would visit the doctor, and often carry a steep price tag. Specifically, here are the typical costs for the following common pet injuries and illnesses:Dog involved in a motor vehicle accident = $4,890Dog or cat ingesting a foreign body = $4,280Dog cancer treatments = $3,570Dog bladder infection treatment = $2,760Dog hip dysplasia = $2,390Cat fractured leg = $2,300Cat pneumonia treatment = $1,900Cat diabetes treatments = $1,740Coverage DetailsEmployers sign up for a group discount code that can be used by their employees, typically without a minimum enrollment number required. Then, pet owners can select a coverage percentage or monthly premium that will work best for their budget and needs. Under the policy, the pet must have an annual examination and the owners must adhere to the recommendations given by the veterinarians to remain covered. Beyond that, most policies do not cover existing conditions or injuries but do assist in paying for the following:New accidents and injuriesX-raysSurgeriesCancer carePrescriptionsHospitalizationVaccinationsHeartworm therapyFlea controlUrinalysisDental careSpay/neuterCompare Your OptionsIf your organization is considering this benefit for your employees, consider asking the pet insurance companies the following questions before making your selection:How long has your company been in business?Is coverage available in our area?Is coverage available where our employees may travel?Can employees use any veterinarian and animal hospital?Do you offer discounts for multiple pets?What are your customer service hours and availability?What are the coverage plan options available to employees? What are the deductible options?What is the average annual premium increase?Can our company lock in a premium rate?Is there a penalty for changing plans?Is preapproval for services required?What are the limits to the policy? Lifetime caps?Can employees find out the insurance reimbursement before authorizing their pet’s veterinarian to perform procedures?Do reimbursement amounts vary depending on the specific veterinarian’s fees?Can pets be dropped from the coverage? If so, why?What is the claims filing process?How long does it typically take to receive payment for a claim?How are claim disputes resolved?How does the policy determine reimbursement for claims?Is there a maximum amount paid per procedure? Per calendar year? Per disease?What diseases are excluded from the policy coverage?Are there breed-specific diseases excluded from the policy coverage?Are pre-existing conditions covered after a certain amount of time?Are alternative medicine techniques covered?Are consultations with specialists covered? Second opinions? After-hours emergency care?Does the policy provide coverage for behavioral problems?Is preventive care covered (vaccinations, heartworm testing, spaying/neutering, dental work, flea/tick control, microchipping, etc.)?If you are considering offering this benefit to your employees, visit www.petinsurance.com. 

Benefits @ Work: Fetch Savings For Your Furry Friends With Nationwide Pet Insurance

Sometimes it can trigger a COBRA event, but other times it may lead to early termination of COBRA. If the steps aren’t ordered correctly, employees may unknowingly make decisions that could cause a loss of family coverage. Listen to our conversation to gain a better understanding of it all.

Cobra & Medicare

2020 has been a difficult year, to say the least. Employers have had to face new challenges never seen before and quickly adapt to operating a business during a pandemic, while also navigating new legislation because of it. We also had an election, and the Supreme Court heard the ACA case. 

2020 Compliance Round Up and a Look Forward to 2021

Betsy Kamler, Director of Client Engagement sits down with Dustin Johnson, Sr. Broker Account Executive with Jellyvision  to discuss how ALEX can serve as a virtual benefit advisor to help drive greater benefit understanding and help employees make smarter decisions. 

Benefits @ Work: Jellyvision and ALEX

Betsy Kamler, Director of Client Engagement sits down with Shaletha Colbert, National Account Executive with Allstate Identity Protection  to discuss why an employer should consider offering identity theft protection and how the COVID pandemic has impacted Identity theft risks.

Benefits @ Work: Identity Theft

Betsy Kamler, Director of Client Engagement sits down with Amy Glynn, Financial Strategist with Global Retirement Partners to discuss the benefits of offering a financial wellness program and why it is important to offer this program during our current COVID-19 pandemic.

Benefits @ Work: Financial Wellness

On August 3, 2020, a New York federal district court vacated portions of Department of Labor regulations under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). While the decision is binding over employers with employees working in southern New York, the order does not specifically address the scope of its application over the rest of the country. For that reason, it may be helpful to familiarize yourself with these updates. 

NY Court Vacates Portions of the FFCRA

It’s August 2020 and time for many kids to go back to school. However, school looks very different this year for so many, and parents are left scrambling to try to figure out once again how to balance life as both an employee, and a parent to a child whose school or daycare may not be open. 

Back to School Q&A on FFCRA Leave Availability

Understanding Suicide & Mental HealthHaving a mental illness issue does not guarantee you will be suicidal. However, depending on the illness, it can make positive thinking much harder. The CDC describes mental illness as “conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood or behavior.” Common types of mental illness include depression, anxiety and personality disorders. By current estimates, about 1 in 5 Americans are living with a mental illness. This dispels the idea that mental health is something that can be willed away. Chances are that you personally know someone with a mental illness or at least work with an individual who has one. It’s important that you take meaningful steps to help people with these conditions, not just pretend they do not exist. In fact, inaction is a large part of the problem.What Employers Can DoCompanies cannot expect employees with mental illnesses to simply “snap out of it” or wipe away thoughts of self-harm. Employers need to acknowledge that mental illness comes in many forms and that it probably affects more of their employees than they know. This is why employer-sponsored assistance programs are so important.Employers should foster a safe environment that encourages employees to speak up if they’re feeling overwhelmed by work, as this is a significant stressor for depression and other mental illnesses. Beyond reassessing company culture, organizations can offer referrals or access to mental health professionals through their employee assistance program. One of the most effective ways to reduce suicide is by being there for someone in need. With this in mind, consider empathy training for managers so they can recognize the warning signs of severe depression and can address them with the individual.  Resources For EmployersThis section includes resources that you are encouraged to share with employees. Anyone can access this information, but, as an employer, you have the opportunity to proactively share these links with employees. Take a look at the information and consider sending an email or hosting a meeting to discuss this serious topic.The CDC offers a number of resources aimed at addressing and preventing suicide resulting from mental illness. Below are some of their most robust resources:“Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policy, Programs, and Practices” (www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/suicideTechnicalPackage.pdf)Important information about suicide in the U.S. (www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide)The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance offers services, training and education on depression and bipolar disorder. Learn more about these services on their website, www.dbsalliance.org.The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is another organization committed to suicide prevention. They created the “Be The 1 To” campaign to educate people about helping those who suffer suicidal thoughts. Their website (www.bethe1to.com) provides more information about how to help.The group also offers a free, 24/7 phone and chat service for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or advocates who need resources to help a loved one. The calls are confidential and are well-regarded as helping the individuals who call. Here is their contact information:Website: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.orgTelephone: 1-800-273-8255

Benefits @ Work: Suicide Prevention & Education

What is an opioid?An opioid is a type of drug found in prescription pain medicine. It is also found in “street drugs” such as heroin. Prescription opioids can help with pain when used under a doctor’s order. They may be addictive and cause side effects and even death when used incorrectly. prescription opioids include: Hydrocodone (Vicodin®), Oxycodone (OxyContin®), Oxymorphone (Opana®), Codeine, Morphine, Methadone, FentanylHow is treatment provided?Treatment is typically provided on an outpatient basis. In some cases, it is also provided at a residential program. Both programs often use medications to help get patients off opioids.Talk with your doctor or other health care professional about the options. Check with your insurance provider for what they cover, as costs can vary.How can I get someone to seek help?When a person with an opioid use disorder is ready to get help, they need help right away. But they also need to want to participate. This can be hard for friends and family members if the person does not want help. If you have questions, you should talk with your doctor or health care provider. What you tell your doctor is private and should not be shared without your permission.How successful is treatment?Some patients will need to repeat treatment before beating addiction. Their surroundings, including family or friends, can play an important role.Research has also shown that patients with depression and those who use other substances such as alcohol are more likely to struggle with substance use disorders. Treatment for both mental health and substance use disorders should be completed together for treatment to work.What Increases My Risk of Overdose from This Medication?Overdose risk increases when your opioid medication is combined with: Alcohol, Benzodiazepines (also known as “benzos,” including diazepam and alprazolam). Other sedatives, Other opioids (prescription or illicit, including heroin)It is very dangerous to combine opioids with other drugs, especially those that cause drowsiness. Risk of opioid overdose and death increases at higher dosages, and when taken for longer periods of time or more often than prescribed.Talk to your doctor about any other medications you are using. Work out a plan to call your doctor if you continue to experience pain. Also ask about the serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about any other medications you are using. Work out a plan to call your doctor if you continue to experience pain. Also ask about the serious side effects (like excessive sleepiness or craving more of the medication) so you and your family know when to call a doctor or go to the hospital.What are the warning signs of opioid abuse?Someone struggling with an opioid use disorder may not show signs right away. Over time, there may be some signs they need help.Changes in sleep habits, weight loss, flu-like symptoms and decreased libido may be physical signs they are struggling. Changes in the way they act — such as cutting off relationships with family or friends, spending too much money, stealing, changes in exercise habits or not bathing — may also be signs.

Benefits @ Work: The Opioid Epidemic

Betsy Kamler, Director of Client Engagement sits down with Hayes Stevens of Benefit Technology Resources to discuss what to expect when you decide to vet out a new solution. 

Benefits @ Work: What to expect when you are ready for a new HR system?

Betsy Kamler, Director of Client Engagement sits down with Hayes Stevens of Benefit Technology Resources to discuss the purpose of a Human Capital Management System and the pitfalls of not having it within your company. 

Benefits @ Work: Pitfalls of not having a Human Capital Management System

Betsy Kamler, Director of Client Engagement sits down with Hayes Stevens of Benefit Technology Resources to discuss the importance of technology in your workforce, the cost savings and how it can impact your company’s culture. 

Benefits @ Work: Why Technology?

While this cost reduction is certainly a positive gesture, to the extent that the refund or credit is considered a plan asset, it must be used in accordance with ERISA and fiduciary obligations. Listen to learn more about determining whether your credit is a plan asset, and your options from there.

Carrier Premium Credits during COVID-19

The Lipscomb and Pitts Insurance Compliance Director, Sarah Gillespie and a first class ERISA attorney share key Affordable Care Act and compliance hot topics all in 15 minutes or less. This podcast gives interested individuals a short nugget of information on specific benefits compliance items or ACA related topics that will help them better do their job or understand the requirements. Our topics will be specific and brief, and guidance will be provided by a first class ERISA attorney. And of course being podcasts, people can learn on the go.

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Federal Agencies Issue Major COVID-19 Relief for Employee Be...

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